You’re not talented enough, gifted enough, smart enough.......

“You’re not talented enough, gifted enough, smart enough, educated enough, equipped enough, good looking or beautiful enough to carry out God’s cause or purpose for your life!” ….However,.. “God is not looking at your ability” but at your heart
Paul Kafentzis http://www.finishingstrong.co.za/

Too often I’ve shrunk back from God’s call on my life because I’ve looked at my natural gifting. I know that I just have not got what it takes to do what God is calling me to do. His “vision” is beyond my abilities.

Paul Kafentzis however got the point across to me in the great quote above. He is right. In our natural selves, we just don’t have what it takes. But, serving God is not about having the abilities or “the look.” It is all about having a heart that is firmly set on God. That is why we are told to “Fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith.” We can’t fulfil our vision in our strength and abilities.

God’s vision for our lives is a God sized vision. We need to work closely with Him to fulfil it. Soak up the Bible reading below, then check out Paul Kafentzis’ site.

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NIV)
Bob Lipsys

Changing your world

You can be a person who changes the world around them just by being there.

Last year, just before Easter, my wife and I were in a crowded shopping centre in a very long queue. Many people around us were frustrated and angry, they had waited a long time to be served. Then the computer system in our lane broke down. The cash register closed down completely. The lady being served at the time exploded in anger. She yelled at the checkout staff and she yelled at her children. This anger and frustration was transferred to others.

Standing in line, I remembered what John Paul Jackson said in one of his CD’s about God using these sort of delays for His purposes. So I silently prayed for those around us. The lady in front calmed down. I invited a heavily pregnant woman to go ahead of us as she looked very tired and worn out at the wait. As I silently prayed for all the frustrated people around us they calmed down. After a bit of a wait the computer sprung back into life. The woman in front, who had been complaining and making a fuss, found out that the problem was actually caused by her child pulling a cable out of the computer.

When we got to the front of the line, the check out lady apologised for the delay and commented on the peace my wife and I radiated. I went out happy, having transformed my area of the world with God's touch.

Next time you are delayed, assume God has allowed the delay to happen to you with His purposes in mind. He is giving you the opportunity to change the world around you.

Blessings are yours in Jesus,
Bob Lipsys